Tag: AsianLitBingo

Hi all, so I somehow managed to finish a challenge for once. I’m highkey surprised, but I actually did it! I’m so proud of me.

I managed to read five books in a row, and it was epic. I really enjoyed this event, and I met some really awesome people along the way! I also got to read about a bunch of other books I had never heard of before, and I had a lot of fun! My tbr got even longer…

Heartbreakingly funny, moving and vibrantly drawn, Skim is an extraordinary book–a smart and sensitive graphic novel of the highest literary and artistic quality, by and about young women.

“Skim” is Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a not-slim, would-be Wiccan goth who goes to a private girls’ school. When Skim’s classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself, the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. As concerned guidance counselors provide lectures on the “cycle of grief,” and the popular clique starts a new club (Girls Celebrate Life!) to bolster school spirit, Skim sinks into an ever-deepening depression.

And falling in love only makes things worse…

Suicide, depression, love, being gay or not, crushes, cliques, and finding a way to be your own fully human self–are all explored in this brilliant collaboration by cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki. An edgy, keenly observed and poignant glimpse into the heartache of being young.

*Note: I readthis as part of the #AsianLitBingo event, read until the end for details!

The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor’s favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family’s standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.
Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.

*Note: I’m reading this as part of the #AsianLitBingo event, read until the end for details!

I literally love Renee Ahdieh so much, and the worlds and characters she brings to us. Ergo, it was only natural that I buy and read her first book in her new series. So, while we are on this topic, I’m just going to point out that Renee Ahdieh is writing about Historical Japan, but she is indeed not Japanese. On top of that, Flame in the Mist is not 100% historically accurate, and it takes a lot of liberties, so if that bothers you, I would skip this one. I was also skeptical in the beginning, but I had seen a lot of positive feedback and decided to give it a try anyway. Continue reading “Book Review: Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh”

About Me

Growing up, my constant companions could only be found on the pages of novels. I moved around a lot, and I'm still wandering. So I started this blog, to share my two favorite things: books and beauties. Enjoy!